Andrew described pump hydro as a relatively simple mechanism – basically only needing a large dam, a steep hill and a connecting pipe. The same water gets pumped from the base of the hill to the upper reservoir where it remains until required for the production of energy on its return. The steeper the hill the more effective, as this would produce more force and require a shorter length of pipe. It can be set up relatively easily – “off the shelf” as Andrew describes it.

There are many systems in the world, some connected to rivers, but there are thousands of available sites off-rivers – including many opportunities in South Australia (S.A.). There are three already in use in Australia – two on rivers, one at Kangaroo Valley.

S.A. already has nearly 50% renewables, mainly wind, and there is a need for both a storage facility and an upgrade of the inter-connectors to the NEM.

Andrew and his team will be releasing a paper about pumped hydro storage for a 100% renewable energy grid in March 2017.